Re: New Age Angst

Len Flatley (lenny@velocity.net)
Thu, 5 Jun 1997 14:44:10 -0400 (EDT)

On Thu, 5 Jun 1997, Robin Hanson wrote:
> I quite agree regarding the value of critical thinking skills. But
> note that logic is only the first of such skills to learn. Next is
> statistics (esp. Bayesian stat.). And then game theory. And you
> can't really have good critical skills without learning the equivalent
> of an intro course in 20 major subjects.

i wonder which 20 subjects.

just as important is knowing when to consider things "out of
your area(s) of expertise" ... too many people just don't
know when to get help.

lenny
MAYBE I AM NOT VERY HUMAN - WHAT I
WANTED TO DO WAS PAINT SUNLIGHT
ON THE SIDE OF A HOUSE
Edward Hopper
len flatley
lenny@velocity.net
http://www.velocity.net/~lenny

> mlbowli1@cord.iupui.edu writes:
> >I just a few days ago grabbed some books on logic ... The very basics
> >of rational thought, as far as I can tell now, are fairly simple to
> >grasp, and provide a substantial leap forward in critical thinking
> >skills. Considering this and the fact that rational thinking is so
> >crucial, I'm floored by the fact that I'm 26 and having to go out of
> >my way to learn it. ... Bill Clinton wants to ensure every school
> >kid has access to the Internet. Never mind the fact that without
> >rational thinking skills they'll never be able to distinguish noise
> >from valuable information.
>
>
> I've met very few people who have such full critical thinking skills,
> and I very much respect such people.
>
> Robin D. Hanson hanson@hss.caltech.edu http://hss.caltech.edu/~hanson/
>
>